Across India eBook

“I may say that if I had gone on board of the
Guardian-Mother for the first time in the harbor of
Bombay, I should have felt the same, and had just as
strong a desire to assist you in seeing India.
When gentlemen of education and character come here
from England, the officials give them a warm welcome,
and do their best to enable them to see the country,
its manners and customs, and its institutions, to
the best advantage. We should do the same with
Americans; and I account myself fortunate in being
the first to greet you, and welcome you to India.”

The other two heartily responded to the sentiments
of the speaker, and the commander could say no more.
By this time the steamer was in the midst of the fishing-boats
and other craft. Louis called for three cheers
for the guests, and they were given with vigor and
sincerity. The party separated, and its members
gave themselves up to an examination of the surroundings.

CHAPTER XV

ARRIVAL OF THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER
AT BOMBAY

The coast of Bombay was in plain sight, the province,
or state, whose capital has the same name. Groves
of cocoanut, date, and other palm-trees bordered it;
and far back of it was a range of mountains, the Western
Ghats, a chain extending for hundreds of miles along
the shore, though from twenty to fifty miles from
it.

The fishing-boats were Oriental, and nothing new to
the tourists; but the men in them were swarthy-looking
fellows, not abundantly provided with clothing.
The greater portion of India has a warm climate, and
the dress of the people is adapted to it. For
the most part, the natives are bundled up in loose
white cotton cloth, or what was originally white, which
they twist about their bodies with a skill acquired
by practice. But these boatmen were almost in
a primitive condition.

The distinguished guests on board of the Guardian-Mother
were perfectly familiar with Bombay and its surroundings,
as they were with all of the country, and their services
were just now in demand. The Woolridges had attached
themselves to Lord Tremlyn; Louis Belgrave was very
likely to be in their company most of the time, and
the viscount had manifested no little interest in
the young millionaire. He was pointing out the
country, and describing it, to this group of four.

Dr. Ferrolan was not so much of a ladies’ man
as his two younger companions, and was rendering similar
service to his professional brother, Uncle Moses,
and Professor Giroud. They formed a quartet of
educated men, and were more in touch with each other
than they might otherwise have been. Sir Modava
Rao had attracted to his side Mrs. Belgrave; Mrs. Blossom
was usually her shadow; and of course Captain Ringgold,
when not employed in his duties in the navigation
of the steamer, gravitated, not materially but sentimentally,
to this group; for wherever Mrs. Belgrave was, the
commander was not far off.